Reverend Paul Berghout from Virginia told KQED's Jacob Fenston outside the courthouse: “Marriage is defined by the union of one man and one woman
and that’s something that’s good for society, but also the truth, I believe
according to my faith and according to even reasoning naturally.”

Gahan Kelley and Bonnie Nemeth were two of the
18,000 people married in California during the brief moment in time that same
sex couples could marry. The two now live in Virginia, and waited outside the Supreme Court building during the hearing.

“It’s true about the arc of history bending towards justice,
its really true, I’ve seen it so much in my lifetime, through so many social
justice movements that it just seems like it’s our time,” Kelley told KQED's Jacob Fenston.

KQED's Scott Shafer in D.C. reported that outside the court, the mood was excited and even festive. "It was intense but civilized," Shafer said.

KQED's Scott Shafer, who was in the courtroom for the arguments, reports that both sides seemed to struggle with their arguments. Charles Cooper, who argued on behalf of Prop. 8 supporters, had difficulty proving that same-sex marriage causes real harm. Ted Olson, who argued on behalf of Prop. 8 opponents, had difficulty proving marriage is a fundamental right.

Shafer said the big takeaway was that the justices are looking at the issue very cautiously - they don't seem ready to make a big, sweeping declaration on the right to marry.

"Marriage is not a civil right," says Rev. Dr. Wanda Rolon, an influential social conservative in Puerto Rico, speaking at the National Organization for Marriage on the National Mall. "[Marriage] is an institution that possesses cultural and legal recognition due to the unique benefits it has to children, adults and families."

Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom's office released this statement: When the city of San Francisco started on this journey in 2004, we were very aware that marrying same-sex couples would lead to litigation. We were also cognizant that we could have moved forward with a legal battle without challenging state law. But discrimination and inequality is as much about people as it is the law, and in marrying Phyllis Lyon and the late Del Martin, a loving committed couple of 50 years, we put a human face to marriage inequality.

Possible outcomes: There are five possible decisions the justices could make. Watch KQED's "This Week In Northern California" below for analysis or read about the options.